14.085
Defeat of Gandhara.
Vaiśampāyana said.
But the heroic son of Śakuni, the great charioteer of the Gandhāras, approached Guḍākeśa (Arjuna), surrounded by a great army filled with elephants, horses, and chariots, decked with rows of banners and standards. (14-85-1)
Unable to bear the slaying of Śakuni, those warriors of the king, all together with bows in hand, approached Pārtha. (14-85-2)
He, the righteous and unconquered Bībhatsu, spoke to them; but they did not accept the beneficial words of Yudhiṣṭhira. (14-85-3)
But though restrained by Pārtha with conciliatory words, they became angry, and having surrounded the horse, went away; then the Pāṇḍava became angry. (14-85-4)
Then Arjuna, the son of Pāṇḍu, cut off their heads with blazing-tipped, razor-headed arrows shot from the Gāṇḍīva bow, almost without much effort. (14-85-5)
O great king, as they were being struck down by Pārtha, they abandoned their horse in confusion and turned back, greatly afflicted by the showers of arrows. (14-85-6)
Though assaulted by them and also by the Gandharas, the powerful bull among the Pandavas repeatedly struck, and he cut off the heads of these foes. (14-85-7)
While the Gandharas were being slain on all sides in battle, he, the king, son of Shakuni, confronted the Pandava. (14-85-8)
Seeing the king who was fighting, steadfast in the kṣatriya duty, Pārtha said: "Kings are not to be slain by me by royal decree. Enough of battle for you, O hero—today there is no defeat for you." (14-85-9)
When thus addressed, he ignored those words, and, being deluded by ignorance, he showered arrows at the one whose actions were equal to Indra. (14-85-10)
Pārtha (Arjuna), unagitated, removed his helmet with a half-moon-shaped arrow, just as he had previously cut off Jayadratha's head. (14-85-11)
Having seen that, the Gandharas all indeed were filled with wonder. They also knew that the king had not been killed by the one who wished (to kill him). (14-85-12)
But the son of the king of Gandhāra, having seized the opportunity to flee, appeared together with those same frightened ones, just like (being) with small animals. (14-85-13)
But Pārtha (Arjuna), with speed, right there, cut off the heads of those who were running about with his curved, jointed arrows. (14-85-14)
However, some did not realize that their upraised arms had been severed by the broad arrows released from the Gāṇḍīva, discharged by Pārtha. (14-85-15)
That army, agitated with men, elephants, and horses, fleeing and mostly slain and scattered, kept returning again and again. (14-85-16)
Truly, none could be seen in the forefront of the heroic one of noble deeds; the enemies being struck — who could withstand his mighty arrows? (14-85-17)
Then the mother of the king of Gandhara, escorted by the minister and elders, went out fearfully, placing in front the best offering of hospitality (arghya). (14-85-18)
She, remaining unperturbed, restrained that son who was intoxicated by battle, and she also sought to appease that victorious one who accomplished deeds without hardship. (14-85-19)
Having honored her, the son of Kunti then showed favor. Consoling even the son of Śakuni, he said this. (14-85-20)
O mighty-armed, this resolve of yours, to fight against me, is not dear to me; O destroyer of foes, you are indeed my brother, O sinless one. (14-85-21)
O king, having remembered Gāndhārī, your mother, and through the act done for Dhṛtarāṣṭra, it is by that you remain alive, while your followers, who are yours, have been slain. (14-85-22)
Do not be so; let the enmity be pacified. Do not harbor such thoughts. You must come to the great Caitra horse-sacrifice of our king. (14-85-23)
